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CONTROVERSIAL plans for an asphalt plant on the Isle of Wight will come before licensing chiefs this month.

Eurovia Roadstone has applied for an environmental permit to mix hot asphalt at the plant, which it hopes to build at Medina Wharf, off Arctic Road, Cowes, to supply asphalt for the Island highways PFI scheme.

Environmental health officers have recommended the permit is granted.

Permits are issued to protect air quality, and Eurovia must show it will use the best available techniques to control air pollution.

The Isle of Wight Council's regulatory committee will decide on February 25th whether to issue the environmental permit, following a public consultation that has attracted more than 90 comments.

Fears have been raised that dust from the plant will have an adverse impact on air quality, affecting elderly people and those with asthma and respiratory problems. Concerns have also been raised about the smell and possible leaks into the River Medina.

However, the Isle of Wight NHS Trust has advised the plant is unlikely to have an impact on public health providing it is well regulated and makes use of the best available pollution control techniques.

Further concerns raised by residents that Eurovia is not a responsible company and questions about where complaints about air pollution should be directed, have been deemed irrelevant to the application by council officers.

Hazardous waste permits will be required for a cold asphalt mixing plant and a jaw crusher, and a planning application for the plant will be heard separately by the council's planning committee.